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Mark Church
Chief Elections Officer &
Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
Elections Office
40 Tower Road
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 312-5222
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STATEWIDE SPECIAL ELECTION
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VOTER GUIDE
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San Mateo County Elections
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Voter Guide 2011
Register to Vote!
Who can register to vote?
• Citizens of the United States who are
• Residents of California,
• 18 years of age on or before election day, and
• Not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony
When is the last day to register to vote?
• The last day to register to vote in an election is 15 days
before that election.
Where can I register to vote?
• www.sos.ca.gov
• Obtain a form from any library, city hall or post office
• Call and ask us to send you a registration form
(650) 312-5222
Voter Registration
What election materials will I receive?
1. Voter Notification Card
We will send you a Voter Notification card confirming your voter registration
once we’ve added you to the voter roll.
2. Sample Ballot & Voter Information Pamphlet
Starting about six weeks before Election Day, the San Mateo County
Elections Office mails each qualified registered voter a Sample Ballot & Voter
Information Pamphlet containing information about local candidates and
issues, polling place locations, and information about the voting system.
3. State of California Official Voter Information Guide
For statewide elections, the Secretary of State sends a booklet (one per
household) describing candidates for state offices, state propositions, and
other helpful election information.
Voter Guide 2011
Vote - your way!
1. Vote by Mail
Apply to receive a vote by mail ballot up to seven days before an election to allow enough
time for a ballot to be mailed to you. To apply:
• Use the online application at www.shapethefuture.org
• Fill out and mail back the application on the back cover of Sample Ballot Pamphlet, or
• Fax or mail your written request for a Vote by Mail ballot, be sure to include:
▪ Your full name
▪ Date of birth
▪ Your residence address in San Mateo County
▪ Mailing address where you want your ballot sent
▪ Name & date of election
▪ Your signature
Mail requests to:
Registration & Elections Division
Attention: Vote by Mail Unit
40 Tower Road
San Mateo, CA 94402
Fax requests to: (650) 312.5348
Voting Options
2. Vote early
When: Vote any day during office hours the 29 day period before an election
Where: Elections Office - 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA
or
555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA
3. Vote at the polls
When: 7a.m. - 8 p.m. on Election Day
Where: At your polling place or the Elections Office
4. Overseas vote
www.overseasvotefoundation.org
5. Youth vote overseas
yvo.overseasvotefoundation.org
6. Choose your language
Request your election materials in English, Spanish or Chinese.
Call (650) 312-5222 to ask for Spanish or Chinese materials.
Voter Guide 2011
Always Vote by Mail
Permanent Vote by Mail voter status
Any registered voter may apply for permanent Vote by
Mail status.
As a permanent Vote by Mail voter, you will automatically
receive your ballot by mail within the 29 days preceding
any election in which you are eligible to vote.
You can remain a permanent Vote by Mail voter as long
as you wish, or go back to voting at the polls at any time.
Note: If you fail to vote in two consecutive statewide
general elections, you will automatically lose your
permanent Vote by Mail voter status and will need
to re-apply. However, your voter registration status
will not be affected.
What every voter needs to know
What every voter needs to know
Find your polling place location
Your polling place location is printed on the back cover of the Sample Ballot and Voter
Information Pamphlet. It is also online at www.shapethefuture.org.
I Voted
Make your choices beforehand
You don’t have to vote for everything on the ballot; truth is, many people don’t vote the
entire ballot. It’s entirely up to you and your ballot is secret.
It could be busy - be prepared
Mark your choices on the Sample Ballot located in the center of the pamphlet and bring it
with you when you come to vote. Save time for yourself and other voters at the polls.
San Mateo
County
If you can, vote during off-peak hours - avoid the early morning/after-dinner rush.
Yo Voté
Watch the “It’s so easy video” to learn how to vote on our voting machines
It’s online at www.shapethefuture.org.
Voter Guide 2011
Voting Assistance
Accessibility features
The eSlate voting devices allow all voters to cast a private
and independent ballot.
The eSlate disabled access unit (DAU) has a number of
accessible features including:
• Low height for wheelchairs
• Larger font, high contrast screen for visibility
• Big hand-held buttons to help the mobility impaired
• Braille keyboard
• Headphones and audio that is a human voice (not a
digital one)
• Ability to accommodate sip-and-puff devices
• Six distinctly shaped keys with specific functions
Voting Assistance
Telephone Resources
Questions: (650) 312-5222
Language Assistance: (888) 762-8683
Telecommunications Relay Service : 711 or (650) 522-8905
Election Officer Information: (650) 286-2810
Provisional Voter Assistance: (866) 830-8683
Elections Fax: (650) 312-5348
Web Resources
www.shapethefuture.org
Official San Mateo County Election site
www.sos.ca.gov
Official site for the California Secretary of State
www.smartvoter.org
California League of Women Voters site
www.easyvoter.org
Website with election information for busy and first time voters
Voter Guide 2011
You can play a bigger role!
Be an Election Officer. We will train you!
We’re always looking for people to lend a hand at
polling places. As an Election Officer, you will serve your
community and play a vital role in making democracy
work. People are proud to pitch in and help.
• Work hours: 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Stipend:
$125 ($100/Election Day service,
plus $25/training)
• Duties:
Precinct setup and take-down
Voter check-in
Voter assistance
Voting equipment setup, operation and
take down
• Training:
Mandatory and paid. We will prepare you
for election day service!
Contact us at (650) 286-2810 or sign up online at www.shapethefuture.org.
You can play a bigger role!
democracyLive!
democracyLIVE! is the San Mateo County Student Election Officer program,
aimed at giving students an opportunity to get an inside look at the election
world. Student Election Officers are members of the Elections team that help
manage polling place operations on Election Day. It’s a great way to learn
about America’s election process and earn money at the same time!
Polling place!
Let us rent a polling place!
Convenient and accessible polling places are needed in every neighborhood.
Contact us at (650) 286-2810 for more information.
Shape The Future. Vote!
www.shapethefuture.org